The Magic Tea Tree Oil: Surprising Uses for Tea Tree Oil At Home

Melaleuca oil (tea tree oil) is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil has 92 different compounds and ranges in color from pale yellow to clear. It has been described as having a fresh, camphor-like smell and can grow small like a shrub or as a tree, 100 feet tall. Melaleuca alternifolia is native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.

The name “tea tree”, probably originated around the 1770’s from Captain James Cook, who made an infusion of the melaleuca leaves and water to drink in place of tea. 

In the 1920’s, Arthur Penfold from Australia investigated a number of native extracted oils which prompted him to start the commercial tea tree industry. There are 8 species of tea tree that are cultivated for their extracted oil. Melaleuca alternifolia remains the most important commercially.

Melaleuca is best known for its purifying properties. For centuries the Australian Aboriginals would crush the leaves and inhale the oils vapors to promotes feelings of clearer airways. They would also apply the crushed leaves to the skin to act as a bandage while obtaining relief from its cooling effect.

Melaleuca can support a healthy complexion and can help purify the skin and nails. Cleaning your homes surfaces with tea tree can help protect against environmental threats. When taken internally, Melaleuca promotes healthy immune function.

Properties of Melaleuca alternifolia include (alphabetically):

Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, a strong antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, digestive, expectorant, immune stimulant, insecticidal, neurotonic, stimulant, and tissue regenerative. 

The Magic Tea Tree Oil: Surprising Uses for Tea Tree Oil At Home

Topically:

• Apply 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil) to irritated skin (example: after shaving).
• Adding 1-2 drops to your facial cleanser can help promote a clearer complexion.
• Apply to fingernails and toenails after a shower to keep nails looking healthy.
• Add a few drops of tea tree oil to water in a spray bottle to make a surface cleanser to protect against environmental threats.
• Make a homemade hand sanitizer. Just mix about 30 drops of tea tree oil with 10 drops of clove oil, lavender oil and 8 ounces of aloe Vera gel. You can mix everything together in a  bowl and store in a container. 
• Clean a Toothbrush. To get rid of the bacteria on your toothbrush, rub a few drops of tea tree oil into your toothbrush at least once per week.

Aromatically:

•Place 1 drop of tea tree into the palms of your cupped hands, bring hands just under your nose and inhale the oil vapors to promote the feeling of clearer breathing.
•Add 3-4 drops to you diffuser to purify a larger area.

Internally:

•Dilute 1 drop of tea tree oil in 4 oz of liquid.
•Add 1 drop to water, citrus drink, warm tea or in a veggie cap with coconut or olive oil to support healthy immune function.

Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.